Ontario introduces new age identifier on driver's licences
The Ontario government is making
it more difficult for under-age
citizens to purchase alcohol and
tobacco. All driver's licences and
photo cards issued after January 1,
2013 will display a new identifier
that clearly shows when the cardholder
turns 19, the legal age to purchase
alcohol and tobacco products
in Ontario.
Minister of Transportation Bob Charelli said it's a joint decision from across the province. "Our government has heard from the retail sector and public health units across Ontario. We've taken action to keep youth in Ontario safe by including the date a person is 19 years of age on Ontario's driver's licence and photo cards."
The identifier will read "age 19" followed by the exact date the cardholder turns 19, all in bold letters. The new text will be located at the bottom of the ID beside the date of birth. This isn't a new trend among other Canadian provinces; Quebec is now the only province that doesn't have an age identifier on its driver's licence cards.
Sean (who asked that his last name be withheld), a local bouncer, said he doesn't think it will help much. "I don't think the change will impact bar security because most bars only have a select few bouncers that ever handle the actual ID-ing, and that is usually the more senior staff that has experience with fake IDs and things to look for. We do get quite a few under-agers, but with fake IDs they use someone else's, so if that person is 19, it will still say they are 19 on the card they hand us."
Sean did say, however, he believes it will make it more difficult for people under the age of 19 to purchase alcohol. "This will more help Beer Store, LCBO and convenience store workers because they are untrained in detecting under-age and fake IDs, where bar security is required by the government to take the required course, which helps with the process."
Drivers under 19 years of age who are drinking are two times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision compared to older drivers. The McGuinty government is working to help prevent youth from smoking and drinking at home and on the road. "Injury and substance abuse prevention are key priorities for the public health system in Ontario. This initiative will help keep Ontario's youth healthy and safe," said Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health.
Ontarians can get their G1 driver's licence as young as 16. There are approximately 150,000 cards issued to drivers under the age of 19 each year.
Minister of Transportation Bob Charelli said it's a joint decision from across the province. "Our government has heard from the retail sector and public health units across Ontario. We've taken action to keep youth in Ontario safe by including the date a person is 19 years of age on Ontario's driver's licence and photo cards."
The identifier will read "age 19" followed by the exact date the cardholder turns 19, all in bold letters. The new text will be located at the bottom of the ID beside the date of birth. This isn't a new trend among other Canadian provinces; Quebec is now the only province that doesn't have an age identifier on its driver's licence cards.
Sean (who asked that his last name be withheld), a local bouncer, said he doesn't think it will help much. "I don't think the change will impact bar security because most bars only have a select few bouncers that ever handle the actual ID-ing, and that is usually the more senior staff that has experience with fake IDs and things to look for. We do get quite a few under-agers, but with fake IDs they use someone else's, so if that person is 19, it will still say they are 19 on the card they hand us."
Sean did say, however, he believes it will make it more difficult for people under the age of 19 to purchase alcohol. "This will more help Beer Store, LCBO and convenience store workers because they are untrained in detecting under-age and fake IDs, where bar security is required by the government to take the required course, which helps with the process."
Drivers under 19 years of age who are drinking are two times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision compared to older drivers. The McGuinty government is working to help prevent youth from smoking and drinking at home and on the road. "Injury and substance abuse prevention are key priorities for the public health system in Ontario. This initiative will help keep Ontario's youth healthy and safe," said Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health.
Ontarians can get their G1 driver's licence as young as 16. There are approximately 150,000 cards issued to drivers under the age of 19 each year.
